Ceramics Facilitator | North Shore and Highland Park

Arts of Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. Founded in 2000, Arts of Life is realizing its vision of a working, person-centric, artistic community that fosters a work environment of equality and inclusivity. Today, we represent over 60 artists at two professional art studio locations in Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, and Highland Park, IL.

The Opportunity

The Community & Program Facilitator is an artist with expertise in ceramics who plays a critical role in the success of all Arts of Life’s (AofL) North Shore programs by working directly with artists and community partners to realize our mission. This position develops and implements a successful ceramics program that fosters inclusivity in spaces meant to bring together artists with and without disabilities. This position provides administrative and operational support to the program manager, directly impacting AofL artists by ensuring they are active members of our community, supporting their creative practice development, and stewarding key partnerships to implement robust art programming and a professional development strategy. As a key team member, this position also provides personal care for artists, including toileting and mealtime assistance.

Our Culture

At Arts of Life, we are proud to foster a culture of collaboration and respect. We strive to function under a relatively flat hierarchy, which means that decision-making is not concentrated at the top levels of the organization, but rather distributed among various team members. This enables collective decision-making, where all team members can contribute to and influence the direction of our initiatives. We highly encourage a healthy work-life balance, and our employees are welcome to use the studio facilities outside of regular business hours and on weekends.

Be Yourself

At Arts of Life, we are firmly committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We value your unique experiences and strongly encourage People of the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, trans, non-binary people, people with disabilities, system-impacted people, veterans, and people of all ages to apply.

The Role

• AofL Culture: Foster a strong sense of belonging that emphasizes radical vulnerability and candor, promoting transparency and collaboration throughout your department.
• Champion AofL Artists: Ensure artists are key contributors to the organization and the Art sector by maintaining strong working relationships, providing leadership opportunities, and including them in critical relationships and decisions.
• Steward AofL’s Model: Ensure that all community-based programs use AofL’s collective decision-making (CDM) model, prioritize its values, and position artists in leadership roles in all programming.
• Personal Care Support: Assist artists of all genders who require personal care in the restroom, report any observed medical issues appropriately, and ensure the bathroom(s) remain sanitary, organized, and inviting. Support artists who need assistance eating and ensure that food items are appropriate for each individual’s dietary needs.
• Artistic Mentorship & Facilitation: Facilitate artists' practices to promote independence and professional development.
• Community Programs: Support artists in the community by collaborating with the programming team to develop a diverse range of art-based programs.
• Ceramics Leadership: Develop and implement AofL’s Ceramics Studio and programs.
• Space and Material Maintenance: Support maintenance of the Highland Park studio, including general facility cleanliness and the proper use and care of materials.
• Steward Partnerships: Initiate and nurture strong partnerships with community-based artists, organizations, and businesses, particularly in the North Shore area.
• Documentation and Reporting: In accordance with AofL policies, implement and oversee the successful tracking, billing, and documentation of all artists attending AofL and Community programs.
• Exhibitions & Events: In collaboration with the team, support the implementation of a financially successful events and exhibition strategy that embraces AofL values and culture.
• Transportation: Provide reliable and safe transportation using a combination of your personal and AofL vehicles.

What You’ll Need to be Successful

• Thorough knowledge of ceramics equipment and processes, including knowledge of Raku firing and slip casting.
• Knowledge of basic glaze-making (preferred)
• Knowledge of running/firing, diagnostics, and repair of electric kilns
• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in Ceramics,, a comparable active (at least two years) arts practice, or commensurate experience in the arts.
• Two years of experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
• Registered Direct Support Person (DSP) in the state of Illinois or willing to pursue registration through Arts of Life.
• A valid driver’s license
• Your own vehicle
• Ability to lift/carry up to 44 lbs.
• Ability to perform basic physical moves such as kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and twisting
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to pursue registration through Arts of Life.
• Fully vaccinated (2 Pfizer/Moderna or 1 J&J) + recommended boosters

Knowledge, skills, and behaviors:

• Thorough knowledge of ceramics equipment and processes, including knowledge of Raku firing and slip casting.
• Knowledge of basic glaze-making (preferred)
• Knowledge of running/firing, diagnostics, and repair of electric kilns
• Knowledge of proper artwork handling is preferred.
• Takes initiative; is dedicated and creative, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Commitment to the process of artistic skills development as an avenue for growth and independence for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Experience with social service agencies is a plus.
• Proficient in using MAC platforms and the Google Suite
• Working knowledge of social media platforms.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delegating to and supervising interns or volunteers preferred.
• Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the collective to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance program effectiveness.

Compensation & Benefits

• $41,600/yr
• Health
• Dental
• Vision discount program
• Flexible Spending Account (after 12 months of service)
• Dependent Care Account (after 12 months of service)
• Transit Account (after 12 months of service)
• Generous PTO and sick days
• Parental Leave
• Costco Membership
• Retirement Savings Plan

Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours) position that combines on-site and work-from-home arrangements. This means you will have the flexibility to work from home on certain days, but you will also be required to be present at our physical office or studio for a portion of the week. Generally, it is a weekday, daytime position with hours approximately from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, Arts of Life is an operating art studio, and your hours will fluctuate during events, exhibitions, or other times. Your workload may require you to work longer days or weekends to complete your job duties. You will work together with your supervisor to develop a schedule that meets both your needs and the studio's needs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Arts of Life is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the HR inbox at HR@artsoflife.org.

Contact Info:Annie Solerasoler@artsoflife.orgJob Type: PermanentLocation: North Shore and Highland Park